Instructions for Authors

Instructions for Authors

Instructions for Authors     

MOOCs to university: a consumer goal and marketing perspective

In this paper we apply consumer goal theories to an educational context by examining how completion of a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) may motivate enrolment in a university course. We contend that individuals who finish a MOOC are more likely to establish a new goal intention for university than those who do not finish. This new goal intention is likely to be prompted by the individual’s satisfaction with their MOOC experience as well as a sense of discontent in not having fulfilled their broader educational goals. For those who do set a new goal for university study, we contend that the institute hosting the MOOC is likely to form part of the consideration set used by individuals to narrow down their choice of tertiary provider. Moreover, we argue that this same host institute is likely to be chosen from the consideration set where the MOOC experience is a satisfying one and where a strong link can be established between the pedagogical and delivery approaches used in both the MOOC and university settings. This research has implications for how tertiary institutes create and use MOOCs, and offers insights into how providers can more effectively market higher education courses to those progressing through a MOOC pathway.     

Exploring the transformative potential of recognition of prior informal learning for learners: A case study in Scotland

This article presents an overview of the findings of a recently completed study exploring the potentially transformative impact upon learners of recognition of prior informal learning (RPL). The specific transformative dimension being reported is learner identity. In addition to providing a starting point for an evidence base within Scotland, the research findings have the potential to enhance future development within the recognition of prior informal learning area, in particular in higher education institutions (HEIs) and across the sector. A qualitative case study using a constructionist approach is utilised to develop contextual understandings of the learner experience of RPL. The study identifies connections between the RPL process and the development of learner identity. Semi-structured interviews with RPL learners provided rich data. This study asserts that learner identity fluctuates throughout learners’ experiences and therefore the development of learner identity is not linear but nonetheless that identity changes as part of the RPL process. A number of issues ultimately impact upon learner identities, including the role of RPL advisors and RPL mechanisms and processes. This research concludes that RPL has the potential to be transformative for some learners and identifies some areas worthy of further exploration.     

Academic media ranking and the configurations of values in higher education: a sociotechnical history of a co-production in France between the media,state and higher education (1976–1989)

Before the 2000s and the buzz surrounding global rankings, many countries witnessed the emergence and development, starting in the 1970s, of academic media rankings produced primarily by press organisations. This domestic, media-based production, despite the relative lack of attention paid by the social sciences, has been progressively integrated into the functioning of higher education institutions. Examining the emergence and production of academic media rankings in two French magazines between 1976 and 1989, this paper analyses how the media has become a legitimate producer of academic rankings. A micro, sociotechnical history of this production, inspired by the theory of academic capitalism, by communication and media studies and by valuation studies, highlights three principal ideas: First, the production of academic media rankings in France relies on the ability of media organisations to involve the state and the academic institutions themselves. Second, a multidimensional market is instituted by the production of academic media rankings. Third, the concept of “configuration of values” is proposed, with three configurations identified: the configuration of value of opinion, the configuration of value of productivity and the configuration of value of activity.